Foods to boost immunity

     During the winter months with temperature changing from warm to cold, being inside with central heating and getting caught out because it's much colder outside than we expect, any one of us can be caught out by coughs, colds and winter chills.

    Of course it is important to take care of our natural immunity. Adding vegetables and fruits to your diet along with some nuts, poultry and fish will provide you with a wide range of antioxidants.  Antioxidants help to protect your cells from free radicals that can cause ill health.  Free radicals are molecules that are produced by the body breaking down food or when the body is exposed to pollution e.g. tobacco smoke

    Fruits that are high in antioxidants are cranberries, red grapes, strawberries, raspberries, figs, pears, oranges, apricots, mango, watermelon, cherries and goji berries. Why not try adding some to your porridge or even sprinkle some cranberries into a salad.  I like to add chopped oranges and un-sulphured apricots to a raw red cabbage salad it makes an interesting mix of colour and adds to the flavour.  Vegetables include artichokes, kale, red cabbage, beetroot, spinach, tomatoes.

    Exercise is another thing to consider as it is so good for our emotional wellbeing. Taking a walk in the fresh air, dancing, yoga, pilates all help to release endorphins, known as happiness hormones and feeling good is certainly a bonus in the winter months when people often feel miserable due to the long dark days/nights.

    Say goodbye to any negative emotions that you may be hanging on to, these do not serve us well. Turn your attention to things that make you feel good instead.  Meditation can help with this as it helps to focus and settle the mind.  

    Avoid processed foods as they are often laden with sugar and other additives

    Stay hydrated.  It's best to avoid fizzy drinks they tend to be high in sugar and don't hydrate you as well as water. You can flavour your own water; cut up some lemons and limes and infuse them in a jug of water.

    Open the bedroom windows for a little while and air your home

    Include a probiotic this will help support the integrity of your gut and they are good for the immune system.

    Plan a visit to your homeopath, nutritionist or other health professional to review your overall health.  There are a number of homeopathic remedies that can help you combat those winter coughs, colds and chills.

June 

I would like to give credit to the image by silviarita from Pixabay 

© June Sayer December 2021
www.homeopathinessex.co.uk

The information on this webpage represents the views and opinion of the author, based on her clinical experience, and the traditions of Homeopathy. This material is provided for information only, and should not be construed as medical advice or instruction. Always consult with a suitably qualified and registered Homeopath, or with a medical doctor for advice about the treatment they offer, especially in serious or life threatening medical conditions, or if you are already taking medical drugs.